CHAPTER 605
LICENSE ISSUANCE
761—605.1(321) Scope. This chapter of rules applies to the issuance of all Iowa driver’s licenses. Additional information on the issuance of a commercial driver’s license or a commercial learner’s permit is given in 761—Chapter 607.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.174.
[ARC 2071C, IAB 8/5/15, effective 7/14/15]
761—605.2(321) Contents of license. In addition to the information specified in Iowa Code subsection 321.189(2), the following information shall be shown on a driver’s license.
	605.2(1) Name. The licensee’s full legal name shall be listed as established according to 761—subrule 601.5(1) and 761—subrule 601.5(5) and shall conform to the requirements of 761—subrule 601.1(2).
	605.2(2) Current residential address. The licensee’s current residential address shall be listed as established according to the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(3).
	605.2(3) Physical description. The physical description of the licensee on the face of the driver’s license shall include:
	a. 	The licensee’s eye color using these abbreviations: Blk-black, Blu-blue, Bro-brown, Gry-gray, Grn-green, Haz-hazel, and Pnk-pink.
	b. 	The licensee’s height in inches.
	605.2(4) Date of birth. The licensee’s date of birth shall be listed as established according to 761—subrule 601.5(1) and 761—subrule 601.5(6).
	605.2(5) Sex. The licensee’s sex designation shall be listed as established according to the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(7).
	605.2(6) REAL ID markings.
	a. 	A driver’s license that is issued as a REAL ID license as defined in 761—601.7(321) shall include a security marking as required by 6 CFR 37.17(n).
	b. 	Beginning January 15, 2013, a driver’s license that is not issued as a REAL ID license as defined in 761—601.7(321) may be marked as required by 6 CFR 37.71 and any subsequent guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
	c. 	A driver’s license issued to a foreign national with temporary lawful status shall include the following statement on the face of the license: “limited term.”
	605.2(7) Voluntary markings. Upon the request of the licensee, the department shall indicate on the driver’s license the presence of a medical condition, that the licensee is a donor under the uniform anatomical gift law, that the licensee has in effect a medical advance directive, that the licensee is hearing impaired or deaf, or that the licensee is a veteran. To be eligible for a veteran designation, the licensee must be an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces of the United States. A licensee who requests a veteran designation shall submit Form 432035, properly completed by the licensee and a designee of the Iowa department of veterans affairs.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 142C.3 and 321.189, the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note), and 6 CFR Part 37.
[ARC 0347C, IAB 10/3/12, effective 11/7/12; ARC 1714C, IAB 11/12/14, effective 12/17/14]
761—605.3(321) License class. The driver’s license class shall be coded on the face of the driver’s license using these codes:
Class A—commercial driver’s license
Class B—commercial driver’s license
Class C—commercial driver’s license
Class C—noncommercial driver’s license
Class D—noncommercial driver’s license, chauffeur
Class M—noncommercial driver’s license, motorcycle only
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.189.
761—605.4(321) Endorsements. The endorsements shall be coded on the face of the driver’s license and explained in text on the back of the driver’s license.
	605.4(1) For a commercial driver’s license. The following endorsements may be added to a Class A, B or C commercial driver’s license using these letter codes:
H—Hazardous material
P—Passenger
N—Tank
X—Hazardous material and tank
T—Double/triple trailers
S—School bus
	605.4(2) For a commercial learner’s permit. The following endorsements are the only endorsements that may be added to a commercial learner’s permit using these letter codes. All other endorsements are prohibited on a commercial learner’s permit.
P—Passenger
N—Tank
S—School bus
	605.4(3) For a Class D driver’s license (chauffeur). The following endorsements may be added to a Class D driver’s license using these number codes:
1—Truck-tractor semitrailer combination
2—Vehicle with 16,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or more. Not valid for truck-tractor semitrailer combination
3—Passenger vehicle less than 16-passenger design
	605.4(4) Motorcycle endorsement. A motorcycle endorsement may be added to any driver’s license that permits unaccompanied driving, other than a Class M driver’s license or a motorized bicycle license, using the following letter code:
L—Motorcycle
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.180 as amended by 2015 Iowa Acts, House File 635, section 50, and 321.189.
[ARC 2071C, IAB 8/5/15, effective 7/14/15]
761—605.5(321) Restrictions. Restrictions shall be coded on the face of the driver’s license and explained in text on the back of the driver’s license. For purposes of this rule, “CMV” means commercial motor vehicle.
	605.5(1) For all licenses. The following restrictions may apply to any driver’s license:
B—Corrective lenses required
C—Mechanical aid (as detailed in the restriction on the back of the card)
D—Prosthetic aid (as detailed in the restriction on the back of the card)
F—Left and right outside rearview mirrors
G—No driving when headlights required
H—Temporary restricted license or permit (work permit)
I—Ignition interlock required
J—Restrictions on the back of card
S—SR required (proof of financial responsibility for the future)
T—Medical report required at renewal
U—Not valid for 2-wheel vehicle
W—Restricted commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Y—Intermediate license
	605.5(2) For a noncommercial driver’s license. The following restrictions apply only to a noncommercial driver’s license:
8—Special instruction permit
9—Passenger restriction for intermediate license
Q—No interstate or freeway driving
	605.5(3) For a commercial driver’s license. The following restrictions apply to a commercial driver’s license:
E—No manual transmission equipped CMV
K—Intrastate only
L—No air brake equipped CMV
M—No Class A passenger vehicle
N—No Class A and B passenger vehicle
O—No tractor trailer CMV
V—Medical variance
Z—No full air brake equipped CMV
	605.5(4) For a commercial learner’s permit. The following restrictions apply to a commercial learner’s permit.
K—Intrastate only
L—No air brake equipped CMV
M—No Class A passenger vehicle
N—No Class A and B passenger vehicle
P—No passengers in CMV bus
V—Medical variance
X—No cargo in CMV tank vehicle
	605.5(5) Special licenses. A numbered restriction will designate a special driver’s license using these codes:
1—Motorcycle instruction permit
2—Noncommercial instruction permit (vehicle less than 16,001 gross vehicle weight rating)
3—Commercial learner’s permit
4—Chauffeur’s instruction permit
5—Motorized bicycle license
6—Minor’s restricted license
7—Minor’s school license
	605.5(6) Additional information.
	a. 	Reexamination or report. The department may issue a restriction requiring a person to reappear at a specified time for examination. The department may require a medical report to be submitted. The department shall send Form 430029 as a reminder to appear.
	b. 	Loss of consciousness or voluntary control.
	(1)	If a person is licensed pursuant to 761—subrule 600.4(4), the department shall issue the first driver’s license with a restriction stating: “Medical report to be furnished at the end of six months.”
	(2)	If this medical report shows that the person has been free of an episode of loss of consciousness or voluntary control since the previous medical report and the report recommends licensing, the department shall issue a duplicate driver’s license with a restriction stating: “Medical report required at renewal.” At each renewal accompanied by a favorable medical report, the department shall issue a two-year driver’s license with the same restriction.
	(3)	If the latest medical report indicates the person experienced only a single nonrecurring episode, the cause has been identified, and the qualified medical professional is not treating or has not treated the person for the episode and believes it is unlikely to recur, the department may waive the medical report requirement upon receipt of a favorable recommendation from a qualified medical professional.
	(4)	The department may remove the medical report requirement and issue a full-term driver’s license if recommended by a qualified medical professional and if the latest medical information on file with the department indicates the person has not had an episode of loss of consciousness or voluntary control and has not been prescribed medications to control such episodes during the 24-month period immediately preceding application for a license.
	(5)	The department may remove the medical report requirement and issue a full-term driver’s license if recommended by a qualified medical professional and if the latest medical information on file with the department indicates the person has not had an episode of loss of consciousness or voluntary control during the 10-year period immediately preceding application for a license.
	c. 	Financial responsibility. When a person is required under Iowa Code chapter 321A to have future proof of financial responsibility on file, the license restriction will read: “SR required.” The license shall be valid only for the operation of motor vehicles covered by the class of license issued and by the proof of financial responsibility filed.
	d. 	Vision restriction. Restrictions relating to vision are addressed in 761—Chapter 604.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 321A and sections 321.178, 321.180 as amended by 2015 Iowa Acts, House File 635, section 50, 321.180A, 321.180B, 321.188 as amended by 2015 Iowa Acts, House File 635, section 53, 321.189, 321.193, 321.194, 321.215, 321J.4, and 321J.20.
[ARC 9991B, IAB 2/8/12, effective 3/14/12; ARC 0661C, IAB 4/3/13, effective 5/8/13; ARC 2071C, IAB 8/5/15, effective 7/14/15]
761—605.6(321) License term for temporary foreign national. A driver’s license issued to a person who is a foreign national with temporary lawful status shall be issued only for the length of time the person is authorized to be present as verified by the department, not to exceed two years. However, if the person’s lawful status as verified by the department has no expiration date, the driver’s license shall be issued for a period of no longer than one year.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.196, the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note), and 6 CFR Part 37.
[ARC 0347C, IAB 10/3/12, effective 11/7/12]
761—605.7(321L) Handicapped designation. Rescinded IAB 2/11/98, effective 3/18/98.
761—605.8 Reserved.
761—605.9(321) Fees for driver’s licenses. Fees for driver’s licenses are specified in Iowa Code section 321.191. A license fee may be paid by cash, check, credit card, debit card or money order. If payment is by check, the following requirements apply:
	605.9(1) The check shall be for the exact amount of the fee and shall be payable to: Treasurer, State of Iowa. An exception may be made when a traveler’s check is presented.
	605.9(2) One check may be used to pay fees for several persons, such as members of a family or employees of a business firm. One check may pay all fees involved, such as the license fee and the reinstatement fee.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.191.
[ARC 9991B, IAB 2/8/12, effective 3/14/12]
761—605.10(321) Waiver or refund of license fees. Rescinded IAB 2/8/12, effective 3/14/12.
761—605.11(321) Duplicate license.
	605.11(1) Lost, stolen or destroyed license. To replace a valid license that is lost, stolen or destroyed, the licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—601.5(321) and pay the replacement fee.
	605.11(2) Voluntary replacement. The department shall issue a duplicate of a valid license to an eligible licensee if the license is surrendered to the department and the replacement fee is paid. Voluntary replacement includes but is not limited to:
	a. 	Replacement of a damaged license.
	b. 	Replacement to change the current residential address on a license. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(3) to establish a change of current residential address.
	c. 	Replacement to change the name on a license. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(5) to establish a name change.
	d. 	Replacement to change the date of birth on a license. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(6) to establish a change of date of birth.
	e. 	Replacement to change the sex designation on a license. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(7) to establish a change of sex designation.
	f. 	Issuance of a license without the words “under 21” to a licensee who is 21 years of age or older.
	g. 	Issuance of a license without the words “under 18” to a licensee who is 18 years of age or older. (If the licensee is under 21 years of age, the words “under 21” will replace the words “under 18.”)
	h. 	Issuance of a noncommercial driver’s license to an eligible person who has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
	i. 	Replacement of a valid license before its expiration date to obtain a license that may be accepted for federal identification purposes under 6 CFR Part 37 (a REAL ID license). The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—601.5(321) to obtain a REAL ID license.
	j. 	Replacement to add a veteran designation to the license. To be eligible for a veteran designation, the licensee must be an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces of the United States. A licensee who requests a veteran designation shall submit Form 432035, properly completed by the licensee and a designee of the Iowa department of veterans affairs.
	605.11(3) Fee. The fee to replace a license is $10. Anything in this rule, notwithstanding the fee for replacement of a license under paragraphs 605.11(2)“f” and 605.11(2)“g,” shall be as set forth in Iowa Code subsection 321.189(6).
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.189, 321.195 and 321.208, the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note), and 6 CFR Part 37.
[ARC 7902B, IAB 7/1/09, effective 8/5/09; ARC 0347C, IAB 10/3/12, effective 11/7/12; ARC 1714C, IAB 11/12/14, effective 12/17/14]
761—605.12(321) Address changes.
	605.12(1) A licensee shall notify the department of a change in the licensee’s mailing address within 30 days of the change. Notice shall be given by:
	a. 	Submitting the address change in writing to the office of driver services, or
	b. 	Appearing in person to change the mailing address at any driver’s license examination station.
	605.12(2) Parents or legal guardians may provide written notice of a mailing address change on behalf of their minor children.
	605.12(3) The department may use U.S. Postal Service address information to update its address records.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.182 and 321.184.
761—605.13 and 605.14 Reserved.
761—605.15(321) License extension.
	605.15(1) Six-month extension. An Iowa resident may apply for a six-month extension of a license if the resident:
	a. 	Has a valid license,
	b. 	Is eligible for further licensing, and
	c. 	Is temporarily absent from Iowa or is temporarily incapacitated at the time for renewal.
	605.15(2) Procedure. The licensee shall apply for an extension by submitting Form 430027 to the department. The form may be obtained from and submitted to a driver’s license examination station. The licensee may also apply by letter to the address in 761—600.2(17A).
	a. 	A six-month extension shall be added to the expiration date on the license. When the licensee appears to renew the license, the expiration date of the renewed license will be computed from the expiration date of the original license, notwithstanding the extension.
	b. 	The department shall allow only two six-month extensions.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.196.
761—605.16(321) Military extension.
	605.16(1) Form 430028. A person who qualifies for a military extension of a valid license should request Form 430028 from the department and carry it with the license for verification to peace officers. Form 430028 explains the provisions of Iowa Code section 321.198 regarding military extensions.
	605.16(2) Request for retention of record. A person with a military extension may request that the department retain the record of license issuance for the duration of the extension or reenter the record if it has been removed from department records. The request may be made by letter or by using Form 430081. The letter or Form 430081 shall be signed by the person’s commanding officer to verify the military service and shall be submitted to the department at the address in 761—600.2(17A).
	605.16(3) Renewal of license after military extension. When an applicant renews a license after a military extension, the department may require the applicant to provide documentation of both the military service and the date of separation from military service.
	605.16(4) Reinstatement after sanction. A person with a military extension whose license has been canceled, suspended or revoked shall comply with the requirements of 761—615.40(321) to reinstate the license.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 321.198.
761—605.17 to 605.19 Reserved.
761—605.20(321) Fee adjustment for upgrading license. The fee for upgrading a driver’s license shall be computed on a full-year basis. The fee is charged for each year or part of a year between the date of the change and the expiration date on the license.
	605.20(1) The fee to upgrade a driver’s license from one class to another is determined by computing the difference between the current license fee and the new license fee as follows:
	a. 	Converting noncommercial Class C to Class D—$4 per year of new license validity.
	b. 	Converting Class M to Class D with a motorcycle endorsement—$4 per year of new license validity.
	c. 	Converting Class M to noncommercial Class C with a motorcycle endorsement—$2 one-time fee.
	605.20(2) The fee to add a privilege to a driver’s license is computed per year of new license validity as follows:

Noncommercial Class C
(full privileges from a restricted Class C)	$4 per year	
Motorized bicycle	$4 per year	
Minor’s restricted license	$4 per year	
Minor’s school license	$4 per year	
Motorcycle instruction permit	$2 per year	
Motorcycle endorsement	$2 per year	
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.189 and 321.191.
[ARC 1714C, IAB 11/12/14, effective 12/17/14]
761—605.21 to 605.24 Reserved.
761—605.25(321) License renewal.
	605.25(1) A licensee who wishes to renew a driver’s license shall apply to the department and, if required, pass the appropriate examination.
	605.25(2) A valid license may be renewed 30 days before the expiration date. If this is impractical, the department for good cause may renew a license earlier.
	605.25(3) A valid license may be renewed within 60 days after the expiration date, unless otherwise specified.
	605.25(4) If the licensee’s current residential address, name, date of birth, or sex designation has changed since the previous license was issued, the licensee shall comply with the following:
	a. 	Current residential address. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(3) to establish a change of current residential address.
	b. 	Name. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(5) to establish a name change.
	c. 	Date of birth. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(6) to establish a change of date of birth.
	d. 	Sex designation. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of 761—subrule 601.5(7) to establish a change of sex designation.
	605.25(5) A licensee who has not previously been issued a license that may be accepted for federal identification purposes under 6 CFR Part 37 (a REAL ID license) and wishes to obtain a REAL ID license upon renewal must comply with the requirements of 761—601.5(321) to obtain a REAL ID license upon renewal.
	605.25(6) A licensee who is a foreign national with temporary lawful status must provide documentation of lawful status as required by 761—subrule 601.5(4) at each renewal.
	605.25(7) The department may determine means or methods for electronic renewal of a driver’s license.
	a. 	An applicant who meets the following criteria may apply for electronic renewal:
	(1)	The applicant must be at least 18 years of age but not yet 70 years of age.
	(2)	The applicant completed a satisfactory vision screen or submitted a satisfactory vision report under 761—subrules 604.10(1) to 604.10(3) and updated the applicant’s photo at the applicant’s last issuance or renewal.
	(3)	The applicant’s driver’s license has not been expired for more than one year.
	(4)	The department’s records show the applicant is a U.S. citizen.
	(5)	The applicant’s driver’s license is not marked “valid without photo.”
	(6)	The applicant is not seeking to change any of the following information as it appears on the applicant’s driver’s license:
	1.	Name.
	2.	Date of birth.
	3.	Sex.
	(7)	The applicant’s driver’s license is a Class C noncommercial driver’s license, a Class D noncommercial driver’s license (chauffeur), or Class M noncommercial driver’s license (motorcycle) that is not a special license or permit, a temporary restricted license, or a two-year license.
	(8)	The applicant is not subject to a pending request for reexamination.
	(9)	The applicant does not wish to change any of the following:
	1.	Class of license.
	2.	License endorsements.
	3.	License restrictions.
	(10)	The applicant is not subject to any of the following restrictions:
G—No driving when headlights required
J—Restrictions on the back of card
T—Medical report required at renewal
8—Special instruction permit
Q—No interstate or freeway driving
R—Maximum speed of 35 mph
	b. 	The department reserves the right to deny electronic renewal and to require the applicant to personally apply for renewal at a driver’s license examination station if it appears to the department that the applicant may have a physical or mental condition that may impair the applicant’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, even if the applicant otherwise meets the criteria in 605.25(7)“a.”
	c. 	An applicant who has not previously been issued a driver’s license that is compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005, 49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note, as further defined in 6 CFR Part 37 (a REAL ID license) may not request a REAL ID driver’s license by electronic renewal.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321.186 and 321.196 as amended by 2013 Iowa Acts, House File 355, section 1, the REAL ID Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. Section 30301 note), and 6 CFR Part 37.
[ARC 0347C, IAB 10/3/12, effective 11/7/12; ARC 0895C, IAB 8/7/13, effective 7/9/13; ARC 1073C, IAB 10/2/13, effective 11/6/13; ARC 2071C, IAB 8/5/15, effective 7/14/15]
761—605.26(321) License renewal by mail. Rescinded IAB 3/20/02, effective 4/24/02.
[Filed emergency 6/7/90—published 6/27/90, effective 7/1/90]
[Filed emergency 10/24/90—published 11/14/90, effective 10/24/90]
[Filed 5/9/91, Notices 11/14/90, 2/20/91—published 5/29/91, effective 7/3/91]
[Filed 12/18/91, Notice 11/13/91—published 1/8/92, effective 2/12/92]
[Filed 11/4/93, Notice 9/29/93—published 11/24/93, effective 12/29/931]
[Filed emergency 1/10/94—published 2/2/94, effective 1/10/94]
[Filed 10/30/96, Notice 9/25/96—published 11/20/96, effective 12/25/96]
[Filed 1/21/98, Notice 12/17/97—published 2/11/98, effective 3/18/98]
[Filed 10/28/98, Notice 9/23/98—published 11/18/98, effective 12/23/98]
[Filed emergency 7/20/00 after Notice 6/14/00—published 8/9/00, effective 7/24/00]
[Filed 2/15/02, Notice 12/26/01—published 3/20/02, effective 4/24/02]
[Filed 6/19/02, Notice 4/17/02—published 7/10/02, effective 8/14/02]
[Filed emergency 3/21/03—published 4/16/03, effective 3/21/03]
[Filed emergency 6/15/05 after Notice 5/11/05—published 7/6/05, effective 7/1/05]
[Filed 6/14/06, Notice 4/12/06—published 7/5/06, effective 8/9/06]
[Filed 10/11/06, Notice 8/30/06—published 11/8/06, effective 12/13/06]
[Filed ARC 7902B (Notice ARC 7721B, IAB 4/22/09), IAB 7/1/09, effective 8/5/09]
[Filed ARC 9991B (Notice ARC 9874B, IAB 11/30/11), IAB 2/8/12, effective 3/14/12]
[Filed ARC 0347C (Notice ARC 0201C, IAB 7/11/12), IAB 10/3/12, effective 11/7/12]
[Filed ARC 0661C (Notice ARC 0571C, IAB 1/23/13), IAB 4/3/13, effective 5/8/13]
[Filed Emergency ARC 0895C, IAB 8/7/13, effective 7/9/13]
[Filed ARC 1073C (Notice ARC 0894C, IAB 8/7/13), IAB 10/2/13, effective 11/6/13]
[Filed ARC 1714C (Notice ARC 1601C, IAB 9/3/14), IAB 11/12/14, effective 12/17/14]
[Filed Emergency ARC 2071C, IAB 8/5/15, effective 7/14/15]
1	Effective date of December 29, 1993, for 761—605.26(2)“a” and “d,” delayed 70 days by the Administrative Rules Review Committee at its meeting held December 15, 1993; delay lifted by this Committee on January 5, 1994, effective January 6, 1994.